Rent a Christmas tree for an eco-friendly holiday

Two weeks ago Bargain Babe asked whether you’d be buying a real or fake Christmas tree. At the time, I was too busy getting through my final classes to get in the Christmas mood. Now I know I won’t be doing either.

After reading a recent L.A. Times story, I’ve decided to rent a tree. I love real Christmas trees because they are so fragrant, but can’t stand the price tag. The worst part is taking my pricey tree to get recycled and turned into mulch as my city doesn’t offer a curbside pick up program.

This year I won’t have to stomach killing another tree. A little sequoia tree will be delivered to my apartment this week. After Christmas, the tree will be picked up and I will have the option of adopting it and having it return next year.

The cost for renting a tree varies depending on the company. The prices at the lot where I am renting my tree are $25-$125 plus delivery charges and a $50 maintenance fee (to offset the work it takes to sort out the adopted trees and take care of them throughout the year) if you decide to adopt. I will be paying $25 for a 3-foot tree plus $30 for delivery. The total cost is $105 since I want to adopt.

Although the tree is a little pricey, renting a live tree has its benefits. There is no guilt of killing the tree since it’s potted and watering it will keep it alive. There’s also the convenience factor — workers deliver and pick it up. I’m also thinking of it as a new eco-friendly Christmas tradition.

When my tree arrives, my family and I will decorate it and next year we will await our little sequoia’s return. If you still haven’t decorated your tree, you can do so on a budget with Christmas decorations and tree ornaments sold at dollar stores. Would you consider renting or adopting a Christmas tree?

Comments

I think it panders to the eco-crowd who also thinks that spending some extra cash to “offset their carbon footprint” will actually do that and get a good feeling from paying that fee.
I can get a dead tree for 20 bux, they’re ALL beautiful once decorated anyway. But I understand the whole, “I don’t want to kill a tree this year” thing.
I also understand marketing and sales…but I think it’s twisted that it costs MORE to do something GOOD for the earth. Maybe it all makes cost effective sense to the business, but to me, I just think the ECO option should cost LESS than the non-eco…otherwise, it’s pretty pointless. ESPECIALLY in the current economy.
I could not ever justify this expense. I’ll do fake trees and a real wreath made from real tree trimming to bring the scent into my home. (I love that too.)

@Elizabeth You bring up a good point. Should the eco option be less expensive than the regular option? I sure wish it was, and I know a lot more people would go the eco route if it were cheaper. Some eco options are cheaper (like buying quick-drying towel sheets that last years instead of sponges that get moldy in a few weeks) but not all. There is still an eco premium on many products, but hopefully as more consumers buy them prices will drop. In the meantime, paying extra for eco anything is part of the commitment to living a green lifestyle.